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© 2013 KentuckyGuard
FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 22, 2015) – “As a result of the tragic events in Chattanooga, many states took some measure of action to increase the protections for their National Guard members in the area of weapons. In Kentucky, we had already anticipated these scenarios and had in place the protections that these other states recently created.
Click here to see Governor Beshear’s executive order.
First, guard members are permitted to carry weapons when they are on duty.
Secondly, guard members on duty at any of our facilities or recruiting stations may legally carry licensed concealed weapons in accordance with state law, a practice encouraged by guard leadership.
Adjutant General Edward Tonini established this policy in 2013 as a safety and security measure in response to any threats against guard personnel at recruiting stations, training facilities, armories, administrative offices, on state property or anywhere else state law allows.
However, in light of recent events, it is both reasonable and prudent to ensure that we are doing all we can to safeguard those men and women who protect us.
Today’s Executive Order directs Adjutant General Tonini to take any additional steps necessary to increase security in order to keep our guard members and citizens safe. As the head of the Commonwealth and of the National Guard, I want to ensure the safety of our National Guard members, where they train and recruit. This is a major priority of this administration.”
– Gov. Steve Beshear.
Story by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Members of the Boone National Guard Security Force train on entering and securing a room during an active shooter scenario in Frankfort, Ky., Oct. 30, 2014. Officers with the Frankfort Police Department facilitated the training to maximize multi-agency cohesion. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky National Guard’s hub of operations at the Boone National Guard Center (BNGC) took a positive step toward safety as the Security Force, conducted their mandatory annual training, Oct. 29-30 in Frankfort, Ky. Local agencies and organizations from all around the state provided presentations, demonstrations, and exercises in all fields relating to security services.
“To combat or possibly prevent tragedies from happening here, our security force trains and trains hard with certified school instructors on all areas of expertise on the subject matter to be the very best force possible for the mission we serve,” said Larry McCord, chief of security.
Larry McCord, chief of security oversees members of the Boone National Guard Center Security Force qualifying with their pistols in Frankfort, Ky., Oct. 30, 2014. The qualification culminated two days of multi-agency security training. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
McCord said his team received a wealth of knowledge, training and input from security experts. The two-day schedule of instruction included visits from the Kentucky Intelligence Fusion Center, a division of the Department of Homeland Security, the Frankfort Police Department (FPD) and the Kentucky Guard’s Antiterrorism office.
After the first day of information, the team put it all into action in various areas of active shooter training techniques on day two. Frankfort Police officers trained to teach various swat tactics and techniques in active shooter responses facilitated the exercises.
Capt. Walter Martin with the FPD commended BNGC’s security team, calling the interaction an advantage of multi-agency cohesion.
“This is a great group of folks, fast learners and very enthusiastic,” said Martin. “The more trainees we get for these techniques, the better interoperability we will have throughout the state.”
Members of the Boone National Guard Center Security Force move to enter a building during a training exercise in Frankfort, Ky., Oct. 30, 2014. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
McCord admits his team doesn’t get the opportunity to train as much as he may like, but the quality training, positive response from his officers and gratifying comments from his peers is testament of a job well done.
“To earn the respect of other agencies through training and field trials is the highest compliment this force can receive for the time, dedication, and service put into accomplishing our daily mission.”
Larry McCord, chief of security forces at the Boone National Guard Center guides a team member through pistol qualifying in Frankfort, Ky., Oct. 30, 2014. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Soldiers of the 198th Military Police Battalion guard a gate along the backstretch of Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., May 4, 2013. Roughly 250 Soldiers and Airmen provided security inside and outside the track during Derby weekend. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Kentucky Derby has been run 138 times. According to Kentucky’s military history, the National Guard has been assisting with the event since 1936. Many years have gone into the coordination and partnerships with local authorities that have protected the “Run for the Roses” as the signature event in the commonwealth.
That teamwork was no different for the 139th running of the race, May 4, 2013 as Kentucky relived its annual great two minutes.
Spc. Ashley Minix of the 198th Military Police Co. uses a metal-detecting wand to search a spectator at the front gate of Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., May 5, 2013. It was the first year the Kentucky Guard used the wands as part of the security they provide at the Kentucky Derby. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
To see more photos from the Derby, click here.
The goal of providing a safe and secure weekend at Churchill Downs has always been the focus of the Kentucky National Guard along with agencies such as the Louisville Metro Police, the Jefferson County Sherriff’s Office and Kentucky State Police to name a few. The basics of this effort remain the same, but sometimes the manner in which that effort is enacted must be adapted to the world we live in.
“We certainly have a more heightened sense of security,” said 2nd Lt. Corey Rich of the 617th Military Police Company and officer in charge of security and traffic for National Guard personnel.
“We continue to support local law enforcement with traffic and security details around the track, but this is the first year we have a wanding detail at the gates,” Rich said of the Guard’s participation. “We’re double and triple checking everything, making sure everyone is good to go that comes through the gates.”
At the two largest gates of Churchill Downs, Guardsmen took their usual stance in being the first line of security fans encounter. Several Soldiers at each gate were issued metal-detecting wands as an added measure of inspecting individuals. The gates require an attention to detail, but also a friendly patience in greeting the estimated 150 thousand spectators entering the track.
Pfc. Donald Pollick with the 617th Military Police Co. directs traffic outside Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., May 4, 2013. Guardsmen provided security and traffic details in support of local law enforcement during Derby weekend. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“Attendees are a little bothered by the wands, but more thankful that we are taking their security more seriously,” said Sgt. 1st Class Mark Meunier, noncommissioned officer in charge of security from the 223rd Military Police Co. of the upgraded security. ” The majority of people are appreciative of our presence, thanking us for what we do.”
Lt. Carolyn Nunn, a 20-year veteran with the Louisville Metro Police Department complimented the Guardsmen for their interaction and persistence.
“We’ve worked in partnership with the National Guard for Derby weekend, and there’s been great teamwork,” she said. “And without them, honestly we would still be working yesterday’s traffic today. It’s been awesome, they are all great to work with. They’ve been troopers out there standing and working in the rain with us, so it’s a good experience for everybody.”
“Anytime you are in any military or law enforcement branch, our partnerships are thick and we have been working in unison for past 10 years together.”
Sgt. Christopher King and Pfc. Heath Good, both of the 198th Military Police Battalion assist Kentucky Derby Museum Curator, Chris Goodlett in placing the trophies in the winner’s circle of Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., May 4, 2013. King and Good were two of five Soldiers chosen for the elite detail that guards the trophies from the clubhouse to the winner’s circle. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Perspectives of the Kentucky Derby varied depending on the location of the roughly 250 Soldiers and Airmen on duty. From the gates, down the backstretch and in the streets surrounding Churchill Downs, the Kentucky Guard demonstrated it’s fidelity to Louisville and the Commonwealth.
Pvt. Shalah Barnes with the 940th Military Police Co. worked her first Derby, her second assignment. Only two months removed from training, Barnes was still learning the ropes of being a Soldier and a MP, and getting to experience the Derby from the backside, where the horses enter the track gave her a unique perspective on the day and the people that are involved.
“Being from Kentucky and being a part of the biggest event in our state as well as the country is really cool and exciting,” she said. “This gives me an opportunity to understand how to better deal with the public. It’s muddy, but it’s exciting.”
On the opposite side of the track, for all to see, including the television cameras, Soldiers and Airmen had traded their camouflage for dress uniforms to perform the duties of a more formal security. Chief Master Sgt. Ray Dawson, 123rd Airlift Wing, was working his fourth Derby and said his detail was all about being professional in adverse conditions. Guardsmen secured the winner’s circle and the Kentucky Derby trophy at the center of attention in a more refined presence, even in the wet and chilly conditions.
Spc. Ryan Hayes of the 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade maintains his position roping off the winner’s circle of Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., May 4, 2013. Several Soldiers and AIrmen provided the security detail for the winner’s circle to keep fans and the media separated from the Kentucky Derby trophy presentation. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“We are representing all the Soldiers and Airmen out there on the roadblocks and security details,” said Dawson. “We get the opportunity to stand in front of the crowd at the biggest spectacle in racing, in the world, and we are representing the Kentucky National Guard.”
Despite the rain that soaked poncho-covered spectators and Guardsmen alike, the 139th Kentucky Derby was another successful day for Louisville and for Kentucky. Local authorities said the event went off with no major incidents. Kentucky Guardsmen remained on their security and traffic details well after the last race had concluded and the grandstands and infield emptied.
The Kentucky Guard now begins the year-long preparation for the 140th running in 2014.
Story and photos by Sgt. David Bolton, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office
Kentucky Guardsman Spc. Austin Kirk, a security specialist at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort,Ky., plays the role of a terrorist during a training exercise designed to simulate a suicide bomb attack August 15, 2012. Ginger Starrett and Brady Murphy, also security specialists at BNGC were on scene to apprehend Kirk as he attempted to detonate a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device. (photo by Sgt. David Bolton, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office)
FRANKFORT, Ky.— An unassuming vehicle pulls up to the front gate of the Boone National Guard Center August 15, 2012 in Frankfort, Ky. It’s a typical Wednesday afternoon. The driver is motioned forward by Ginger Starrett, a security specialist assigned to BNGC. White-knuckled with a stone-cold face, the driver pulls up to the entry control point. Noticing his stern demeanor, Starrett begins to inspect the vehicle with a discerning eye. An instant later, the driver has pulled out a homemade detonator and attempts to set off a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED).What happened next was part of a carefully designed and choreographed series of events that was meant to diminish any further threat to service members and civilians working at BNGC.
“We have a plan for Boone Center”, said Eldern Riley, State Anti-terrorism Program Manager. “Protect the assets and resources of the Kentucky National Guard including personnel and facilities.”
Col. Charlie Harris, State Security Manager, said that in addition to exercising the plan to keep the people of BNGC safe, the coordination with other agencies like the Kentucky State Police Bomb Squad and the Frankfort Police Department was important.
Despite the intensity of this event, it is not the first rigorous training exercise that has taken place at BNGC. Other scenarios have included an active shooter situation in which the security forces had to respond to a shooter on post.
“Our security force has done a lot,” said Larry McCord, Security Operations Chief at BNGC. “J2 (which deals with physical, personnel, and intelligence security) writes the plans and someone must implement it, we can do that.”
Jennifer Chilton, an Interim Security Specialist at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky., directs traffic away from the front gates after a Vehicle-Bourne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) was detected as part of a bomb threat exercise scenario at BNGCC in Frankfort, Ky., Aug. 15, 2012. (Photo by Sgt. David Bolton, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office)
The hard work of the BNGC officers has not gone unnoticed. Over the past few years the BNGC has been presented the Army Security Award as well as the Department of the Army’s Best Antiterrorism Program Unit for 2011.The process of responding and adjusting to these kinds of threats is continually revamped based on prior exercises and training simulations.
“We learned some things and we’ll use what we learned to update future plans,” said Harris.
McCord noted that the exercise was a huge success saying, “It’s a big feather in our cap for the Kentucky State Police to give us credit for our part in the exercise.
The true benefit of conducting this kind of life-like training is the payoff that it brings.
Riley said that the training exercises helped the younger officers to prepare for real world events.
“There’s a lot more than most people think,” said McCord. “Someday, someone is going to make a move and I hope that we’re there to catch it. It’s not a matter of if, but when.”
The Kentucky Guard Command Staff directed August as Antiterrorism Awareness Month to bring a heightened sense to the potential threats against personnel and facilities throughout Kentucky.
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Staff report
The newest Kentucky Colonels at Boone National Guard Center. Tim Johnson, Derrick Howard, Ginger Starrett, and Edward Monheimer display their certificates. Behind them are Mike Adcock, Steve Bullard, Joe Wilkins and Larry McCord. (Photo by David Altom, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office)
Click here for more photos on this story.
FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 23, 2011) — Members of the Boone National Guard security team were honored for their work during the recent Build-A-Bed charity event held here last month.
Volunteers from UPS gather materials to construct a bed during the Third Annual Build-A-Bed event at Kentucky's Boone National Guard Center. Approximately 400 volunteers came out to Boone National Guard Center Saturday, May 14, to build 100 beds for children in Kentucky's Franklin, Fayette, Woodford and Jessamine counties during the Third Annual Build-A-Bed event hosted by SUCCESS Corp, a program of Kentucky Americorps (photo courtesy of the Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office).
Tim Johnson, Ginger Starrett, Derrick Howard and Edward Monheimer were presented Kentucky Colonel certificates in a ceremony presided over by Steve Bullard, Division Director of the Office of Management and Administration for the Department of Military Affairs.
“We wanted to thank our our security force for the great job they did during the Build-A-Bed,” said Bullard, who helped organize the event. “It was a great experience and a great opportunity to get the public here on Boone Center and support a worthwhile cause. We can’t that without the support of our security team. They did a terrific job and made sure everything went smoothly.”
Larry McCord, Boone Center Chief of Security, said the recognition is well deserved.
“These folks work around the clock, 24/7, year round to keep this facility safe and secure,” said McCord. “This is the second year in a row that we’ve done this. Any time you bring a large number of people on post there are challenges, but our team can handle it.”
Participating in the ceremony were Facilities Director Joe Wilkins and Mike Adcock, Facilities Assistant Director.
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